Abstract

Since recently, the IPL match of Rajasthan Royals (RR) brought into the limelight 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who was carrying drinks for RR as a ‘drone’. This incited a question: was this really a mentorship opportunity or a case of child labor? The focus of the article examines the case in the framework of Indian public jurisdiction perception child labor laws, as well as public opinion. It investigates the boundaries of legal definitions, customs of cricket, and the ethics of child representation in professional sports. While most would argue that this act is harmless, or in fact inspirational, it invites contemplation on the fence between encouragement and exploitation. The article attempts to strike the balance of discussion so that there are no such doubts about the regulation of restraints crafted in good faith, however, upon deeper scrutiny seem to be too restrictive, even if before accepting their well-meaning appearance.

Introduction

A recent viral video has caught the eye of cricket fans and social media users everywhere: 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, decked out in Rajasthan Royals (RR) gear, was spotted carrying drinks for the team during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match. At first glance, this scene might seem innocent or even heart warming, but it quickly sparked a heated debate online. Many people began to question whether it was appropriate for a minor to take on such responsibilities at a professional sports event, raising concerns about child labour under Indian law. India has stringent regulations regarding child employment, particularly in professional and commercial settings. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, outlines the specific conditions under which children can work. Given this legal backdrop, the sight of a 13-year-old seemingly in an official role raises several red flags—not just about legality, but also about ethics, public perception, and the safeguarding of children in high-pressure situations. On the flip side, supporters argue that Vaibhav wasn’t being employed but was simply enjoying a unique experience, perhaps as part of a fan engagement initiative. They believe that such opportunities can inspire young fans and shouldn’t be classified as labour. This clash of perspectives highlights a broader issue in Indian society: the delicate balance between providing children with opportunities and potentially exploiting their innocence. This article delves into the complex question: Was Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s involvement with RR a genuine expression of enthusiasm or a breach of child labour laws? By examining the legal definitions, ethical dilemmas, and social ramifications, we aim to uncover the larger message that such incidents convey in a country still wrestling with the challenges of child labour.

What Exactly Happened?

On a bright evening during the IPL 2024 season, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) were in the thick of the action when something unexpected happened — a 13-year-old boy named Vaibhav Suryavanshi strolled onto the field to deliver drinks for the players. Dressed in the official RR kit and moving confidently among seasoned cricketers, Vaibhav seemed to be part of the team’s support staff. Viewers quickly took to social media to share their thoughts. Many speculated that he might be a ball boy or involved in a junior cricket program. But soon, questions began to arise — “Isn’t he a bit too young for official duties?” “Is he actually employed by the team?” “Is this even legal under Indian child labor laws?” Not long after, the Rajasthan Royals took to social media and issued a statement to clarify the situation. They explained that Vaibhav wasn’t an employee and wasn’t doing any formal job. Instead, he was part of a special fan engagement initiative, likely chosen through a contest or community program that allowed young cricket enthusiasts to interact with their heroes and experience the team environment for a day. According to RR, the goal was to inspire young talent and give Vaibhav a unique opportunity to see what happens behind the scenes in professional cricket. However, the sight of a minor taking on a role during a globally televised sporting event sparked a bigger debate — was the team fostering inspiration, or were they treading into child labor territory?

The controversy quickly gained traction in mainstream media, leading experts, activists, and fans to weigh in on whether such initiatives, despite their good intentions, should proceed without proper legal and ethical oversight.

Is This Child Labour Under Indian Law?

To figure out whether Vaibhav Suryavanshi carrying drinks for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) counts as child labour, we need to dive into what Indian law actually says. What Does the Law Say? According to the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (with amendments in 2016): Children under 14 years old aren’t allowed to work in any job, whether it’s paid or unpaid. There are a few exceptions:

· If the work is part of sports or entertainment.

· If it’s not dangerous.

· If it doesn’t harm the child’s health or education.

· If it’s done occasionally and with proper supervision.

Was Vaibhav Doing Child Labour? Let’s break down the details:

· Vaibhav is 13 years old.

· He carried drinks during a live IPL match.

· He wasn’t paid, and the team described it as a special one-time experience.

· It wasn’t a regular job, and he wasn’t an employee of the team.

So, from a legal standpoint, this might not be classified as child labour because:

· It wasn’t a dangerous task.

· It was a one-off event.

· It was more about having fun than actually working.

Why People Are Still Worried Even if it’s within the law, many people feel uneasy about letting kids take on such roles in major commercial events like the IPL. They argue:

· It can send the wrong message.

· It might pressure kids to step into adult-like responsibilities too soon.

· It could be used for publicity, which isn’t fair to the child.

So, while Vaibhav may not legally be a victim of child labour, the whole situation raises some important ethical concerns.

Public Reaction and Media Attention

When 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi was spotted carrying drinks for the Rajasthan Royals during an IPL match, it instantly grabbed the public’s attention. What seemed like a sweet, innocent moment quickly turned into a hot topic of national debate.

Mixed Reactions on Social Media On platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, many fans showered praise on the team, calling it a “dream moment” for a young cricket enthusiast. [1] India Today published an article titled “IPL 2024: Was the 13-year-old Boy Carrying Drinks for RR a Case of Child Labour?” which explored both sides of the debate and called for more transparency from IPL officials.

Similar Incidents in India

Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s situation isn’t the first instance of a child being spotted engaged in work-like activities at major public events. Here are a few other cases where children were involved, sparking similar concerns.

1. Ball Boys in Cricket Matches

[2] In numerous cricket matches, including the IPL, you’ll often see young boys (sometimes even under 14) acting as ball boys. They’re the ones collecting balls during the game. While it might look like fun, people have raised some important questions:

· Is it safe for them?

· Are they trained or given proper protection?

· Are they working without any pay?

Unfortunately, there aren’t any clear guidelines from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) regarding this.

2. Children in TV Reality Shows

Shows like Indian Idol Junior, Super Dancer, and Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs showcase young talent. These kids perform under dazzling lights and face a lot of pressure. Child rights organizations have pointed out that:

· Long hours can take a toll on their health.

· They might experience stress.

· It turns into work rather than just being fun.

3. MS Dhoni with a Young Net Bowler (2021)

[3] A young boy was spotted bowling to MS Dhoni during a CSK practice session. While many enjoyed the video, others raised concerns:

· Was the child safe?

· Was there proper supervision?

Even if it was just for fun, it highlighted how kids can sometimes find themselves in risky or serious situations.

4. School Children as Volunteers at Events

[4]At large events like marathons, rallies, and public functions, school kids are frequently enlisted as volunteers. They help guide attendees, distribute water, or stand in the sun for hours on end. While this might seem harmless, there are some drawbacks:

· It can be exhausting and unsafe.

· It’s unpaid labor.

· Sometimes, they even miss school for these activities.

Conclusion

The situation with 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi carrying drinks for the Rajasthan Royals has ignited a crucial conversation about the delicate balance between providing inspiring opportunities and crossing into child labor territory. While it might have been a one-off, well-meaning act by the team, it brings to light some serious concerns about how children are utilized in professional and commercial settings. India has robust child labor laws, but there are still grey areas—particularly in sports, entertainment, and public events—that need more scrutiny. Just because a child isn’t being paid or is engaged in what seems like a harmless activity doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe or suitable.

We really need to reflect on a few questions:

· Does this activity genuinely benefit the child?

· Is it being carried out with the child’s safety and education as a priority?

· Or is it merely a way to polish the image of adults or organizations involved?

It’s high time for sports organizations, event planners, and media outlets to establish clear rules and guidelines when it comes to involving children. Opportunities should uplift and inspire, not take advantage of them.